ATLANTA – After the original Havana Sandwich shop was “completely gutted” by fire in 2008, two Havana Sandwich shops opened in the general vicinity of the “original” both claiming the title.

Over the years, there has been much debate about which shop deserved the title of the original, but for many, Havana Restaurant at 3979 Buford Highway in Atlanta retains the crown. Considered one of Atlanta’s iconic restaurant survivors along with the Varsity, The Collanade and the recently closed Pano’s and Paul’s, Havana has been serving up sandwiches and Cuban fare for 35 years.

Eddie Benedit Sr. and his wife, Debbie, opened the restaurant in 1976, only a couple of years after he came to the United States from Cuba. Eddie was always very conscious of the restaurant’s quality, consistency and affordability, and prices reflect that.